Implementation of new traffic law goes in vain

Despite the implementation of new traffic law starting May last year, the number of traffic violations went up nearly 60 per cent last year when compared to 2016. While there were 524,599 traffic violations in 2016, last year saw the number increasing to 843,697. According to new statistics released by the General Directorate of Traffic, violations have consistently increased in the past years. Forty seven per cent of all violations involved speeding vehicles. The statistics say 399,000 incidences of speeding vehicles were recorded. This was followed by parking violations (more than 14,000) and the crime of driving without licence stood at third place. In the fourth place was driving under the influence of alcohol. The new traffic law had triggered resentment among citizens and residents with severe penalties being imposed on traffic violators. More tougher punishments came in place for violators whose action led to death or serious injuries to victims of accidents. The Shura Council last week rejected the amendment of Article 56 of the Traffic Law imposed by Law No 23 of 2014, aimed at changing the period of reconciliation in some of the crimes prescribed by the law.